Atlanta Hawks: 2016-17 Season Outlook
Three Key Storylines: 3. Playoffs Or Tank?
The Hawks seem like they’re on a precipice of sorts. On the one hand, they could very well be a playoff team again, one that will take Schroder’s breakout season in stride and remain a dangerous defense with Dwight Howard manning the middle.
On the other hand, a couple injuries here and there and this team could very well opt for a rebuild of sorts.
If the Hawks re-sign Bazemore and essentially swap Howard for Horford, how good is that team? I think they could miss the playoffs easily.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) June 28, 2016
To be clear, a full-scale roster strip-down seems unlikely, especially after signing Howard to a three-year, $70.5 million deal. That’s not just a feel-good move bringing home an Atlanta native, it’s a move designed to keep this team competitive as they try to get over the hurdle in the East.
Realistically though, nothing the Hawks did this summer indicates they’re capable of competing with the Toronto Raptors or Boston Celtics out East, let alone the Cavs team that’s tormented them over the last two years.
The Atlanta Hawks should tank: https://t.co/2miAjr9tY4
— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) June 24, 2016
Schroder is going to have his brilliant moments, but he’s also going to take his lumps. Howard could miss time if his physical health doesn’t hold up again and may still be a downgrade from Horford even if he does stay completely healthy. Korver and Millsap got another year older, and could easily become trade bait as they’ve been rumored to be over the last year.
Atlanta is stuck in between a rebuild and a revamping of its roster. If the losses start piling up, don’t be surprised to hear Korver and Millsap’s names come up on the trade market as the Hawks try to ship off their remaining assets, stockpile draft picks, tank the rest of the season away, and prepare for a brighter future.
Next: Best, Worst Case Scenarios